Author Archives: Guest Author

Bob Freeman: “O What Needless Pain We Bear”

Posted on August 30, 2011 by Guest Author

I have no idea why some of us are straight and some of us are gay, but I also have no idea why some of us are so homophobic and some of us are so perfectly comfortable with accepting our son as he is. Homosexuality is not a choice, but homophobia is. Continue reading →

Posted in Family | 11 Comments

Rev. Sara Salomons: From the ECC to the UCC

Posted on August 23, 2011 by Guest Author

I believe that there is a place for everyone in the church. I believe that God makes room at the table for each person. There is no asterisk beside that statement. EVERYONE! How can I stay in a church that places an asterisk beside that statement? Continue reading →

Posted in Clergy | 8 Comments

Rev. Eva Sullivan-Knoff: Reflections of God’s Love and Grace

Posted on August 9, 2011 by Guest Author

For those of us in the church, I believe we are called to something greater, something healing and restorative. It comes in listening to each other’s hearts and stories, recognizing and embracing each other as brother and sister, and welcoming each other to the table. Continue reading →

Posted in Allies, Clergy | 4 Comments

Rev. James Anderson: Covenant Conflicts

Posted on August 2, 2011 by Guest Author

Once, far in the past, Covenanters rallied around the words, “I am companion of all who fear Thee,” a companionship that usually exceeded even major differences. Whatever bond exists now seems more like a sticky note that flies away in a mere breeze. Continue reading →

Posted in Clergy | 15 Comments

Casey Pick: “A Broken Family”

Posted on July 25, 2011 by Guest Author

However civil the tone or gentle the language, at the end of the day, the Covenant’s position condemning the love which exists between two people of the same sex is toxic, and it is vital that people speak up against it, in the same civil, respectful but resolute tones. Continue reading →

Posted in LGBT | 3 Comments

Amy Beisel: “Family Ties”

Posted on July 19, 2011 by Guest Author

I believe that, in our words and convictions on this subject, Covenanters – both straight and gay – are motivated by love, sincerity, and a desire to be faithful to our calling. I also believe that our discussion has generated too much heat and too little light. Continue reading →

Posted in Allies | 4 Comments

Rev. Paul Corner: “A Way Forward”

Posted on May 12, 2011 by Guest Author

I love the Covenant church, and I do not want to go anywhere else. But the reality is that we need to move forward somehow lest we continue to collect stories of gay and straight lay people and clergy who have shaken the Covenant dust off of their sandals and moved on to the next town. Continue reading →

Posted in Allies, Clergy | 6 Comments

Charlotte Johnson: “Staying Home”

Posted on May 9, 2011 by Guest Author

I’m in my 70th year, and it has taken a very long time to acknowledge a large group of human beings living in our midst. I am one of them. My name is Charlotte Johnson, and I live with my spouse, Joan, in Washington, CT. We belong to Salem Covenant Church, where we have been active for 44 years. Continue reading →

Posted in LGBT | 21 Comments

Katie Klug: “Confronting Convenient Boxes”

Posted on May 4, 2011 by Guest Author

To me, that is the crux of the issue; if you don’t have anyone in your life that causes you to confront the box you’ve conveniently placed around your faith (and God), you likely need to be challenged to justify your beliefs. Continue reading →

Posted in Allies, Family | 2 Comments

Leah Klug: “Let Us Work Together”

Posted on April 26, 2011 by Guest Author

If the church is to come to any real reconciliation with the LGBTQ community, we must first confess, then repent and begin to bring justice into how we practice worship. We must ask forgiveness from those we have wronged, forgiveness we do not deserve. Continue reading →

Posted in Clergy | 23 Comments